US5342128A - Pivot bearing - Google Patents

Pivot bearing Download PDF

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Publication number
US5342128A
US5342128A US08/028,417 US2841793A US5342128A US 5342128 A US5342128 A US 5342128A US 2841793 A US2841793 A US 2841793A US 5342128 A US5342128 A US 5342128A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
pivot bearing
case
guiding ring
spherical
mounting rod
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
US08/028,417
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Walter Gruber
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Firma
Carl Freudenberg KG
Original Assignee
Carl Freudenberg KG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Carl Freudenberg KG filed Critical Carl Freudenberg KG
Assigned to FIRMA reassignment FIRMA ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: GRUBER, WALTER
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US5342128A publication Critical patent/US5342128A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D7/00—Steering linkage; Stub axles or their mountings
    • B62D7/16—Arrangement of linkage connections
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C11/00—Pivots; Pivotal connections
    • F16C11/04—Pivotal connections
    • F16C11/06—Ball-joints; Other joints having more than one degree of angular freedom, i.e. universal joints
    • F16C11/0619—Ball-joints; Other joints having more than one degree of angular freedom, i.e. universal joints the female part comprising a blind socket receiving the male part
    • F16C11/0623—Construction or details of the socket member
    • F16C11/0628—Construction or details of the socket member with linings
    • F16C11/0633—Construction or details of the socket member with linings the linings being made of plastics
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C11/00—Pivots; Pivotal connections
    • F16C11/04—Pivotal connections
    • F16C11/06—Ball-joints; Other joints having more than one degree of angular freedom, i.e. universal joints
    • F16C11/0666—Sealing means between the socket and the inner member shaft
    • F16C11/0671—Sealing means between the socket and the inner member shaft allowing operative relative movement of joint parts due to flexing of the sealing means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C27/00—Elastic or yielding bearings or bearing supports, for exclusively rotary movement
    • F16C27/06—Elastic or yielding bearings or bearing supports, for exclusively rotary movement by means of parts of rubber or like materials
    • F16C27/063—Sliding contact bearings
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C2326/00—Articles relating to transporting
    • F16C2326/20—Land vehicles
    • F16C2326/24—Steering systems, e.g. steering rods or columns

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a pivot bearing including a spherical body held in a case and with which a mounting rod is associated in a substantially central manner.
  • a pivot bearing of this kind is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,883,263, which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • the pivot bearing is configured as a bearing for axle supports, steering gear or the like in motor vehicles, and has a spherical body which rigidly surrounds a link pin circumferentially. Between the case and the link pin is a sleeve-like link body of elastomeric material under radial bias. At both ends of the elastomeric link body there are supporting rings by which it is held in the case and which simultaneously provide a limit for the deflection movements.
  • the dynamic characteristics of this pivot bearing are not very satisfactory; swiveling angles of more than 10° and low-force swiveling movement cannot be achieved. Furthermore, due to the configuration of the rubber cushion the properties of isolating vibrations produced in operation are not very satisfactory.
  • the invention is addressed to the problem of improving the prior art pivot bearing so that swiveling angles of more than 10° can be executed with particularly low force, and so that the pivot bearing will have improved properties for the isolation of vibrations produced in operation.
  • a body having a spherical outside surface is supported on the mounting rod radially on the inside by a ring-like cushion of rubber.
  • the spherical body is supported in the case radially on the outside by a guiding ring of a hard material, and the body is sealed off by at least one bellows fixed to the case.
  • the pivot bearing is used with preference in the field of wheel guiding means and the steering gear of motor vehicles. In operation, not only great forces occur in the axial and radial direction but also great movements in the joints.
  • the pivot bearing in accordance with the invention can withstand extreme conditions and can absorb high axial forces of, for example, more than 0.5 kN, great radial forces of more than 1 kN, and very great deflection angles of more than 10° under low force. Due to the bellows which seals the case from the spherical body, very good dynamic characteristics are assured over a long period of use. The pivot bearing is thus well protected against external influences.
  • the guiding ring which has a spherical surface facing the spherical body, does not have a longer axial length than the spherical body, an excellent angular mobility is assured.
  • the confronting surface areas of the guiding ring and/or of the spherical body are provided with a friction-reducing surface coating such as PTFE, or the guiding ring is made of glass fiber-reinforced PTFE.
  • a friction-reducing surface coating such as PTFE
  • the guiding ring is made of glass fiber-reinforced PTFE.
  • a good low-force relative mobility between the guiding ring and the spherical body partially covered by the guiding ring is thereby achieved while avoiding life-shortening wear.
  • the guiding ring is made of glass fiber-reinforced polytetrafluorethylene.
  • a pivot bearing is distinguished by a comparatively low mass.
  • the spherical body and the cushion can be joined together with an adhesive.
  • the rubber cushion can have a substantially rectangular cross section with a radial thickness and an axial length, the ratio of the radial thickness to the axial length amounting to 1:15 to 1:10, said axial length being preferably 2 to 5 times greater than said radial thickness.
  • a rubber cushion of such a configuration assures good isolation of vibrations caused by operation combined with sufficient cushioning of the case on the spherical body both radially and axially, and on the other hand a precise positioning of the relatively moving parts of the pivot bearing.
  • the guiding ring is disposed in a case of substantially hollow spherical cross section.
  • the case can be divided in the axial direction and can be bipartite, the cushion being joined with adhesive to the spherical body and the mounting rod.
  • the bipartite case can be calibrated, thereby further increasing the useful life.
  • the case can have on both sides in the area of its lateral inside faces inwardly facing abutment flanges.
  • the case can have holding means at its lateral faces in which the bellows is held. With an eye to low manufacturing costs and ease of assembly, it is advantageous for the holding means and the abutment flange to be merged into one piece and form components of the case.
  • the radially inward facing surfaces of the case parts can for that purpose be rounded by axially rolling the material. This rounding extends over the entire circumference, so that on the one hand the case is supported against axial movement by the cushion held by the joint and on the other hand a holder for a bellows is formed. The bellows protects the ball joint from contamination and wear.
  • FIGURE is an axial cross section of an embodiment of the pivot bearing according to the invention.
  • a pivot joint which consists essentially of a bipartite case 1, including a first cast part 1.1 and a second case part 1.2, a body 2 having a spherical outside surface, a rubber cushion 3, and a guiding ring 4 of a hard material.
  • the two case parts are substantially hollow-spherical and their shape is adapted to the surface of the spherical body 2.
  • the spherical body 2 and the mounting rod 10, which in this example is tubular, are mounted pivotably within the case 1.
  • the guiding ring 4 which is supported on the one hand in the case 1 and on the other hand on the body 2, consists in this embodiment of metal with a nonfriction coating 12 of PTFE, for example.
  • the ring 4 may be glass fiber reinforced PTFE.
  • the ring 4 has a spherical inside surface which cooperates with the spherical outside surface of the annular body to permit rotational movement, and a cylindrical outside surface.
  • the rubber cushion 3 is ring-shaped and surrounds the mounting rod 10 coaxially in an area whose outside diameter is expanded and has a shape favorable to the of the rubber cushion 3.
  • the case parts 1.1 and 1.2 are configured with respective tubular portions which are fit over the cylindrical outside surface of the guiding ring, and abutment flanges 8, 9 which limit rotational movement of the mounting rod in the guiding ring.
  • the parts 1.1 and 1.2 are press fit into a frame or housing which is generally associated with a stationary part, such as an auto body. Alternatively, the parts 1.1 and 1.2 may be held in a bore by a snap ring. The parts 1.1 and 1.2 are preferably identical.
  • bellows 5 One axial end of bellows 5 is held in the holding means 8 and 9 and the other axial end surrounds the mounting rod 10 with radial bias. No relative displacement takes place between the mounting rod 10 and the bellows 5.
  • the bellows 5 protect the ball joint 2 against dirt and wear and thus assure, even under unfavorable conditions of use, a low-friction relative movement ability and thus good dynamic properties over a long period of use.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Pivots And Pivotal Connections (AREA)
  • Support Of The Bearing (AREA)
US08/028,417 1992-05-02 1993-03-09 Pivot bearing Expired - Fee Related US5342128A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE4216557A DE4216557A1 (de) 1992-05-20 1992-05-20 Schwenklager
DE4216557 1992-05-20

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US5342128A true US5342128A (en) 1994-08-30

Family

ID=6459256

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US08/028,417 Expired - Fee Related US5342128A (en) 1992-05-02 1993-03-09 Pivot bearing

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US5342128A (de)
EP (1) EP0570626B1 (de)
BR (1) BR9301679A (de)
DE (2) DE4216557A1 (de)
ES (1) ES2081030T3 (de)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5902050A (en) * 1996-05-31 1999-05-11 Lord Corporation Spherical elastomeric bearing assembly
US5993065A (en) * 1998-07-13 1999-11-30 Chrysler Corporation Universal slider bushing
US6322132B1 (en) * 1999-08-30 2001-11-27 Cts Fahrzeug Dachsysteme Gmbh Hinged joint in roof systems of vehicles with adjustable roof
US20090016808A1 (en) * 2004-09-03 2009-01-15 Oshkosh Truck Corporation Joint
US11608854B2 (en) 2017-08-16 2023-03-21 Multimatic Inc. Ball joint with injection molded bearing

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4403641C2 (de) * 1994-02-05 1997-04-24 Opel Adam Ag Abdeckung der Lenkfenster an Karosserien von Kraftfahrzeugen

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2188510A (en) * 1937-06-01 1940-01-30 Clark Equipment Co Motion transmitting means
US2606795A (en) * 1948-03-23 1952-08-12 Silentbloc Self-aligning joint or bearing
US4111499A (en) * 1975-03-31 1978-09-05 The Heim Universal Corporation Bearing assembly and liner
DE2752456A1 (de) * 1977-11-24 1979-05-31 Daimler Benz Ag In eine bohrung einsetzbares, insbesondere einpressbares kugelgelenk
US4883263A (en) * 1987-05-08 1989-11-28 Lemforder Metallwaren Ag Molecular joint for axle struts and connecting rods and similar parts of motor vehicles

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE8309873U1 (de) * 1983-09-22 Hirschmann GmbH, 7239 Fluorn-Winzeln Abgedichteter Gelenkkopf
US2891826A (en) * 1955-01-31 1959-06-23 Clevite Corp Self-aligning bearing
DE2234388C3 (de) * 1972-07-13 1982-02-25 Licentia Patent-Verwaltungs-Gmbh, 6000 Frankfurt Elektronisch abstimmbares Filter
IT1096896B (it) * 1978-07-03 1985-08-26 Gomma Antivibranti Applic Sopporto elastico a snodo sferico
GB2058239B (en) * 1979-09-11 1983-05-05 Ampep Ltd Bearing assembly
DE3028869A1 (de) * 1980-07-30 1982-02-25 Lemförder Metallwaren AG, 2844 Lemförde Kugelgelenk, insbesondere fuer lenkgestaenge von kraftfahrzeuglenkvorrichtungen
US4447094A (en) * 1981-07-24 1984-05-08 O & S Manufacturing Company Prelubricated sealed bearings
FR2562967B1 (fr) * 1984-04-16 1988-04-15 Vibrachoc Sa Rotule elastique d'articulation et procede de montage d'une telle rotule
FR2642121B1 (fr) * 1989-01-24 1991-04-12 Caoutchouc Manuf Plastique Articulation elastique a limitation d'excentrage
DE4026652A1 (de) * 1990-08-23 1992-03-05 Freudenberg Carl Fa Lagerung fuer einen gangschalthebel

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2188510A (en) * 1937-06-01 1940-01-30 Clark Equipment Co Motion transmitting means
US2606795A (en) * 1948-03-23 1952-08-12 Silentbloc Self-aligning joint or bearing
US4111499A (en) * 1975-03-31 1978-09-05 The Heim Universal Corporation Bearing assembly and liner
DE2752456A1 (de) * 1977-11-24 1979-05-31 Daimler Benz Ag In eine bohrung einsetzbares, insbesondere einpressbares kugelgelenk
US4883263A (en) * 1987-05-08 1989-11-28 Lemforder Metallwaren Ag Molecular joint for axle struts and connecting rods and similar parts of motor vehicles

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5902050A (en) * 1996-05-31 1999-05-11 Lord Corporation Spherical elastomeric bearing assembly
US5993065A (en) * 1998-07-13 1999-11-30 Chrysler Corporation Universal slider bushing
US6322132B1 (en) * 1999-08-30 2001-11-27 Cts Fahrzeug Dachsysteme Gmbh Hinged joint in roof systems of vehicles with adjustable roof
US20090016808A1 (en) * 2004-09-03 2009-01-15 Oshkosh Truck Corporation Joint
US8801318B2 (en) * 2004-09-03 2014-08-12 Oshkosh Corporation Joint
US11608854B2 (en) 2017-08-16 2023-03-21 Multimatic Inc. Ball joint with injection molded bearing
US11649852B2 (en) 2017-08-16 2023-05-16 Multimatic Inc. Ball joint with injection molded bearing

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE4216557A1 (de) 1993-11-25
ES2081030T3 (es) 1996-02-16
BR9301679A (pt) 1993-11-23
EP0570626A1 (de) 1993-11-24
DE59204202D1 (de) 1995-12-07
EP0570626B1 (de) 1995-11-02

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AS Assignment

Owner name: FIRMA, GERMANY

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:GRUBER, WALTER;REEL/FRAME:006500/0746

Effective date: 19930303

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

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Year of fee payment: 4

REMI Maintenance fee reminder mailed
LAPS Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees
STCH Information on status: patent discontinuation

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362

FP Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee

Effective date: 20020830